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Jerry Reed – East Bound and Dow

East Bound and Down - song and lyrics by Jerry Reed | Spotify

About the Song

Strap yourself in for a high-octane ride with “East Bound and Down” by country music legend Jerry Reed. This iconic song, released in 1977, isn’t just a musical masterpiece – it’s the heart and soul of the classic film Smokey and the Bandit. With its infectious energy and playful lyrics, “East Bound and Down” perfectly captures the thrill of the open road and the adrenaline rush of a daring escape.

The song explodes from the speakers with a foot-stomping rhythm section and a twangy guitar riff that practically begs you to tap your foot. Reed’s voice, a perfect blend of smooth charm and country grit, delivers the lyrics with a wink and a smile. Lines like “We gonna do what they say can’t be done” and “We’ve got a long way to go and a short time to get there” set the stage for a wild adventure.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a trucker named Bandit, hauling a clandestine cargo on a cross-country adventure. We hear about dodging theSmokey and the Bandit, the infamous lawman hot on their trail, and the urgency of delivering their precious payload – a truckload of beer! Phrases like “Keep the hammer down” and “Tolls we gotta run, the big boys are thirsty in Atlanta” inject the song with a sense of reckless abandon and playful defiance.

“East Bound and Down” isn’t just about breakneck speeds and daring escapes. It’s also a celebration of camaraderie and the open road. The song’s infectious energy is perfectly suited for a road trip anthem, a reminder of the freedom and adventure that await on the highway.

The song’s success transcended the film itself. “East Bound and Down” became a massive hit, topping the country charts and achieving mainstream success. It remains a beloved classic, instantly recognizable to audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a country music fan, a gearhead, or simply someone who enjoys a good chase scene, “East Bound and Down” is sure to get your heart racing and your feet tapping. It’s a timeless reminder of the joy of the open road and the thrill of a good adventure.12 inch "East Bound & Down" Decal Sticker Smokey And The Bandit Jerry Reed | eBay

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Lyrics: East Bound and Dow

East bound and down, loaded up and truckin’
We gonna do what they say can’t be done
We’ve got a long way to go and a short time to get there
I’m east bound, just watch ol’ Bandit runKeep your foot hard on the pedal
Son, never mind them brakes
Let it all hang out ’cause we’ve got a run to make
The boys are thirsty in Atlanta
And there’s beer in Texarkana
And we’ll bring it back no matter what it takes

East bound and down, loaded up and truckin’
We gonna do what they say can’t be done
We’ve got a long way to go and a short time to get there
I’m east bound, just watch ol’ Bandit run

East bound and down, loaded up and truckin’
We gonna do what they say can’t be done
We’ve got a long way to go and a short time to get there
I’m east bound, just watch ol’ Bandit run

Old Smokey’s got them ears on
He’s hot on your trail
And he ain’t gonna rest ’til you’re in jail
So you got to dodge him, you got to duck him
You’ve gotta keep that diesel truckin’
Just put that hammer down and give it hell

East bound and down, loaded up and truckin’
We gonna do what they say can’t be done
We’ve got a long way to go and a short time to get there
I’m east bound, just watch ol’ Bandit run

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NOBODY BECOMES A LEGEND BY STANDING AT THE BOTTOM OF A HARMONY. EXCEPT HAROLD REID. Don Reid sang the words. Jimmy Fortune reached the high notes. Phil Balsley held the middle. But Harold Reid held the floor beneath all of them. He was the bass of The Statler Brothers — not always the first voice people hummed on the way home, but the one they felt before they understood why the song worked. Take Harold out of a Statler record and the song still plays. It just does not land the same way. Something underneath is gone. That was his power. He was also funny enough to own a room before the first chorus ever arrived. In a group known for faith, family, and harmony, Harold gave the Statlers something just as important: warmth. He made the crowd laugh, then dropped his voice so low it felt like the whole song had found its foundation. Near the end, he told Jimmy Fortune he had been a blessed man and was ready whenever the Lord called him. When Harold passed in 2020, Jimmy wrote the plainest truth: “Our hearts are broken tonight.” Some singers want you to look at them. Harold Reid made you feel what was missing when he was gone.

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NOBODY BECOMES A LEGEND BY STANDING AT THE BOTTOM OF A HARMONY. EXCEPT HAROLD REID. Don Reid sang the words. Jimmy Fortune reached the high notes. Phil Balsley held the middle. But Harold Reid held the floor beneath all of them. He was the bass of The Statler Brothers — not always the first voice people hummed on the way home, but the one they felt before they understood why the song worked. Take Harold out of a Statler record and the song still plays. It just does not land the same way. Something underneath is gone. That was his power. He was also funny enough to own a room before the first chorus ever arrived. In a group known for faith, family, and harmony, Harold gave the Statlers something just as important: warmth. He made the crowd laugh, then dropped his voice so low it felt like the whole song had found its foundation. Near the end, he told Jimmy Fortune he had been a blessed man and was ready whenever the Lord called him. When Harold passed in 2020, Jimmy wrote the plainest truth: “Our hearts are broken tonight.” Some singers want you to look at them. Harold Reid made you feel what was missing when he was gone.